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20/01/2004
SDLP 'disappointed' at Leonard's move to Sinn Féin
The SDLP's east Londonderry constituency council has expressed its disappointment at the decision of Councillor Billy Leonard to join Sinn Féin.
Speaking on behalf of the SDLP constituency council, Mr John McAuley said he was "disappointed and puzzled" at the decision.
He said that at no time had Mr Leonard indicated any concerns to the party or his colleagues: "We are puzzled by his decision, since we know that in a recent conversations with the party leader, Billy had expressed an interest in taking up a full-time paid post as an SDLP advisor on the restoration of the institutions."
Calling on Mr Leonard to resign his council seat, Mr McAuley said this would be the "most honourable course of action".
He said that the former SDLP member had not mentioned his decision at a Coleraine Council group meeting on the day that he sent the resignation letter to SDLP headquarters.
Also responding to Mr Leonard's move from the SDLP to join Sinn Fein, East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Assembly members David McClarty and Norman Hillis issued a joint statement challenging him to stand down.
In a joint statement they said: “His position on the council is in the gift of the electorate and if he has the courage of his convictions then he must let the people decide whether or not they want him to represent them any longer.”
(SP)
Speaking on behalf of the SDLP constituency council, Mr John McAuley said he was "disappointed and puzzled" at the decision.
He said that at no time had Mr Leonard indicated any concerns to the party or his colleagues: "We are puzzled by his decision, since we know that in a recent conversations with the party leader, Billy had expressed an interest in taking up a full-time paid post as an SDLP advisor on the restoration of the institutions."
Calling on Mr Leonard to resign his council seat, Mr McAuley said this would be the "most honourable course of action".
He said that the former SDLP member had not mentioned his decision at a Coleraine Council group meeting on the day that he sent the resignation letter to SDLP headquarters.
Also responding to Mr Leonard's move from the SDLP to join Sinn Fein, East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Assembly members David McClarty and Norman Hillis issued a joint statement challenging him to stand down.
In a joint statement they said: “His position on the council is in the gift of the electorate and if he has the courage of his convictions then he must let the people decide whether or not they want him to represent them any longer.”
(SP)
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